As much as I dislike Senna, his attitude towards racing and racers was spot on and I'm sure he'd be rather irritated with Vettel's "antics".

Spot on?Senna?The guy who cam out admitting he had hallucinations on the race track (I saw myself driving, He appeared in front of me in Suzuka, etc, etc)? He who thought he could not be harmed because it was him, had the "right attitude" towards racing and racers?

Schumacher is often criticized for his three brain fades during his career, yet Senna is revered as doing "the right thing" for doing what Michael did, only worst because, unlike Schumacher who took the decisions on a split second, Senna actually planned them and even announced them before sitting on the car...

As much as I dislike Senna, his attitude towards racing and racers was spot on and I'm sure he'd be rather irritated with Vettel's "antics".

Which is why to me Alonso has replaced Senna, as Vettel has replaced Schumacher.

History might show this as well - with Alonso hopefully going on to win a third WDC, but Vettel possibly going on to be the driver who can equal Michael in terms of WDCs and possibly even wins. His age is his asset, while Michael's age has been his downfall at this point. Car and team are behind Seb like Byrne's cars and Ferrari were totally behind Michael. The only mistake Seb could make would be changing the team (as long as Newey does not change with him).

That's why I brought up "Vettel has replaced Michael", both being Germans as well. And Senna/Alonso being Portuguese/Hispanic culture.

Hulkenberg to Sauber:/ WHY WHY

Another young German "replacing Michael" - or is the Hulk going to be another Ralf Schumacher?

Vettel is not an all-rounder like Alonso & Schumacher, he's a crybaby unlike, to an extent, Alonso & Schumacher, he's unable to deliver victories with a dire car etc. etc. He goes after fastest lap after fastest lap knowing there are issues with the Renault in RB, he changes helmet after every race and he still persists with the finger. He is still a kid.

LOL!! Vettel will very likely make you have to grudgingly eat those words.

Vettel IS an all-rounder. Look more carefully and FAIRLY.... you'll see.

Alonso is like Senna... quite the talker. Add on-track prowess to the romantic talk about the team etc., and it makes for quite the potent combination that brings on fierce loyalty.

Vettel is young, there's no denying that. His youth will shine through here and there. However, his excellence at the wheel is there to see for those who wish to see it. However, some will find ways to deny this. There's always a way to do so after reading this forum.

I predicted a few months ago that Micheal would hang them up at the end of this year. I was hoping that he would make me wrong and catch on with a competitive team, but it doesn't look likely now. Nothing lasts forever, all things must end someday. He's made the last three years worth watching even though the results were unattainable with the Mercedes package.

I predicted a few months ago that Micheal would hang them up at the end of this year. I was hoping that he would make me wrong and catch on with a competitive team, but it doesn't look likely now. Nothing lasts forever, all things must end someday. He's made the last three years worth watching even though the results were unattainable with the Mercedes package.

And also that he'd sign for Ferrari.......

Feel very relieved for Michael for escaping that nightmare at MGP. Now on to Ferrari, or final retirement.

I have no idea what Michael will do next, and he really doesn't owe us any explanation in that regard, but I think worst thing what he could do is probably to start testing for Pirelli. It might be fun for him, it might be good for F1, but some "special" media would have field-day over it how his career ended, instead driving in 2013 with Mercedes. Circumstances surrounding his announcement that he is retiring from active racing do suggest strained relationship with his team, but it doesn't precludes that he might end up working in some capacity at AMG division, evaluating high performance cars, something he really likes. It may not be day-job as full employee, but still quite important and interesting. He has touched on that interest several years ago, and Ross was talking about it a few weeks ago in similar terms. One thing is certain, which is, he doesn’t has to work, if he won't like it.

He will be 45 years old and even worse than he was this time around. Guys do not come back to modern F1 at 45 years old. He was great in his day but recognises his time is past and is retiring while he still can with some dignity. Maybe some of you need to go to therapy to learn to live with a post Schumacher life, the smart ones will just enjoy his last few races then say goodbye.

This seems to me way overstated. Granted, he may have lost some of the Killer Schumacher of his first iteration, but the looney "guys do not come back to modern F1 at 45" is just bellicose nonsense. If MSC had a decent car & team this year or last he would have had some wins and plenty of podiums. Even in a fast 2nd tier team like Sauber I'd bet money on him today. That's why I don't really understand what happened behind the scenes. Peter Sauber said he'd certainly put MSC in the car. From Michael's POV, where's the downside? THe car is clearly close in speed, tires, etc to Ferrari and sometimes McL and RB. It's an invitation to success after dragging the Merc around for 3 years.

What went wrong? Maybe what MSC said is just true. He doesn't want it anymore. Like everyone else I wish he'd change his mind and take up with Sauber tomorrow. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely. Very unlikely.

I have no idea what Michael will do next, and he really doesn't owe us any explanation in that regard, but I think worst thing what he could do is probably to start testing for Pirelli. It might be fun for him, it might be good for F1, but some "special" media would have field-day over it how his career ended, instead driving in 2013 with Mercedes. Circumstances surrounding his announcement that he is retiring from active racing do suggest strained relationship with his team, but it doesn't precludes that he might end up working in some capacity at AMG division, evaluating high performance cars, something he really likes. It may not be day-job as full employee, but still quite important and interesting. He has touched on that interest several years ago, and Ross was talking about it a few weeks ago in similar terms. One thing is certain, which is, that he doesn’t has to work, if he won't like it.

I personally think Michael should always stay associated with F1. Him not being present around the paddock will be F1's loss.

I would love for a "Team Schumacher" on the grid. If there is one thing F1 drivers need to rectify, it is their reputation (or lack of) for running an F1 team successfully in the past 2 decades. Prost and Stewart were both bad in the 90s, I think Michael has what it takes to make a great team boss : A great racing brain, tremendous racing experience, and an ability to rally people around him towards a goal. Not to mention tremendous brand value which will help with sponsorships for a new team.

I have only fuzzy recollection about seeing a post in which author claimed that Michael has no desire to run a team. I cannot fanthom where to beggin search for it. I would not mind him buying into Sauber, and as a co-owner run operations, while Kaltenborn running the administrative office. Michael has learned a lot of J. Todt, and it could be good background for him to grow on. But, this idea is more of a day dreaming than reality.

I have only fuzzy recollection about seeing a post in which author claimed that Michael has no desire to run a team. I cannot fanthom where to beggin search for it. I would not mind him buying into Sauber, and as a co-owner run operations, while Kaltenborn running the administrative office. Michael has learned a lot of J. Todt, and it could be good background for him to grow on. But, this idea is more of a day dreaming than reality.

If anything some function in some form for FIA might be on the table - remember the Todt-Schumacher connection and that Jean has always cared like a father for Michael.

To become team boss is utterly risky - Michael will be warned by Prost's exploits in this field. Why should he give himself that pain?

If anything some function in some form for FIA might be on the table - remember the Todt-Schumacher connection and that Jean has always cared like a father for Michael.

To become team boss is utterly risky - Michael will be warned by Prost's exploits in this field. Why should he give himself that pain?

I wrote a post about this potential job after the announcement. Apparently they remain friends those two, and it was Jean who said that he knew several days in advance what will be the topic of press conference in Japan; remarkable contrast to what message Michael send to Norbert and Ross, giving them merely five minutes warning.

Perhaps he can be the permanent racing steward. This would stop a whole lot of penalties and whining from today's drivers.

IMO FiA has some well qualified people, but perhaps analytical process of their work supported by improved data collection, validation and processing requires to be taken couple of notches up, including computerized rapid search against normative references and relevant precedences. Michael is a contraversial figure to run a such contraversial post under system that exists.

Michael was pushed out. Sad really. 2006 repeats, just proves how F1 is a ruthless business.

Depends how you look at it. I would say he would have been pushed out, if he took his option, and Mercedes was going to pay his contract to force him to leave. Problem is, that did not happend.

What was Mercedes suppose to do? The BoD wanted to see a business plan before they will sign CA, and there had to be contingencies within to mitigate risk that Michael might retire, which was strong possibility. With Hamilton, they have a driver for next three years, and Michael really couldn't committ for the same term. Public has not idea why he really dropped his option in the first place. There were written speculations about it, but we do not have to rehash it again.

For the mercy of God, is there such time when this man keeps his mouth in OFF position?

Do you mean Lauda? I think it isn't bad that he allows to know what was behind the scenes. So we know that at the time between 28/09 and 04/10 Michael had two talks with Ferrari (Luca di Montezemolo?) and Sauber (Peter Sauber?). I have a feeling that with Ferrari he wanted to assure that Felipe stays in a team for the next year with a possibility to replace him in 2014 and then race for Ferrari until the end. While Sauber was the most obvoius option for 2013, as it was especially important for Michael to keep himself in competetive shape if he wanted to continue racing at the highest level. But then Michael faced with too many questions: would he be competitive in regard to young Sauber drivers, would Sauber have enough funds not to produce another 'Mercedes-develpoed' mediocre car, wouldn't it look like he forced Felipe to retire, would after all he have a will and desire to race, etc, etc... And at the same time Berger (who welcomed Michael's decision for come back in 2009) says that Michael should retire... Honestly, that would be too much for almost anyone in the position of Michael. But it still means the same: Michael indeed was forced to retire.

... and there had to be contingencies within to mitigate risk that Michael might retire, which was strong possibility. With Hamilton, they have a driver for next three years, and Michael really couldn't committ for the same term.

Honestly, I think that if Michael signed a contract he wouldn't retire before its termination. But Michael himself wasn't sure if he would be at the highest level after more than one season. And all these doubts worked like a vicious circle. F1 is a big game, but psychological factor also plays a role. It is a bit like all those Grosjean start accidents, when almost everybody says that he can't avoid start collisions, he indeed can't avoid them. Same is with Michael, when Mercedes doesn't trust him, he starts to question himself too. Thus the doubts, questions, more doubts. And finally the decision to quit out of the game, as it all has became too difficult.

Do you mean Lauda? I think it isn't bad that he allows to know what was behind the scenes. So we know that at the time between 28/09 and 04/10 Michael had two talks with Ferrari (Luca di Montezemolo?) and Sauber (Peter Sauber?). I have a feeling that with Ferrari he wanted to assure that Felipe stays in a team for the next year with a possibility to replace him in 2014 and then race for Ferrari until the end. While Sauber was the most obvoius option for 2013, as it was especially important for Michael to keep himself in competetive shape if he wanted to continue racing at the highest level. But then Michael faced with too many questions: would he be competitive in regard to young Sauber drivers, would Sauber have enough funds not to produce another 'Mercedes-develpoed' mediocre car, wouldn't it look like he forced Felipe to retire, would after all he have a will and desire to race, etc, etc... And at the same time Berger (who welcomed Michael's decision for come back in 2009) says that Michael should retire... Honestly, that would be too much for almost anyone in the position of Michael. But it still means the same: Michael indeed was forced to retire.

Mr. Lauda, as revealed recently, was an intermediary during CA negotiations, only to be elevated to NED at a section of Mercedes-Benz. I would think his is a position of discretion, yet he seems always speaks in details which reveal and hide in fog, while potentially embarrasing, if not clarified. I am not sure if this is all by design, however his behaviour raises more than just a lonely eyebrow.

Well, this is what some posters and media do say, but one has to place it against Haug's statement in which he said, that had Michael has taken his option for 2013 in timely manner, he (Haug) would not have problem whatsoever with that decision. That doesn't sounds like forced retirement to me. When Mercedes, being more or less pushed into looking elsewhere ultimately gave nod to another driver, Michael lost his drive, that's undisputed. You can put any label you want on it.

Well, this is what some posters and media do say, but one has to place it against Haug's statement in which he said, that had Michael has taken his option for 2013 in timely manner, he (Haug) would not have problem whatsoever with that decision. That doesn't sounds like forced retirement to me. When Mercedes, being more or less pushed into looking elsewhere ultimately gave nod to another driver, Michael lost his drive, that's undisputed. You can put any label you want on it.

I noticed that Brawn did not say that MS making up his mind earlier would have guaranteed a drive at Merc. He merely stated that there would have been a possibility of sorting out a contract. My personal guess is that, once Hamilton was in play, Mercedes would have gone for him regardless of MS's stance.

At this point I am caring less and less with each passing day.

The ideal scenario for MS is that:

-Mercedes continues to be utter crap

-NR drives just as well as LH for a couple of years

-Mercedes sell the team in a couple of years, and revert to making engines

I noticed that Brawn did not say that MS making up his mind earlier would have guaranteed a drive at Merc.

Had Michael pick up his option, Mercedes would have to buy out his (expensive) contract, or trade it for something Michael wanted, had they decided to go for different direction. Lets be clear about that. I do agree however with you about that this topic is getting old and stale.

It does not matter whether he was forced to retire or not, especially if he is tired of racing in the midpack. F1 is cruel, always was, always will. The fact that at 43 years old he's been rubbing shoulders with the world's best racers speaks volumes. Yes it's unfortunate that his 2nd stint did not work out but hey the 1st one worked out very well and no one can take that away from the Master! I just hope we'll get some more memorable moments from him in the remaining races.

Danner was one of the Michael's critics during his second career, and now this from him:

SPEED

Danner Tells Lauda To Fire Mercedes Staff: A German F1 pundit has advised Niki Lauda to take an axe to Mercedes' current personnel lineup. Lauda, the great Austrian triple World Champion, has been signed on as Mercedes' non-executive chairman — effectively a decision-making link between the German marque's Stuttgart headquarters and the racing team in the UK. So far, he has negotiated Mercedes' new Concorde Agreement deal and lured Lewis Hamilton onto the team for 2013. RTL commentator Christian Danner, a former driver, now wants Lauda to sack staff. "The people who built this car should really all be fired," he told Bild newspaper. It can't be that you drive all around the world for nine months only to find that your car is as fast as a Toro Rosso." Danner said it is now up to Lauda to put things right. "He is responsible to make the next decisions. And those decisions will primarily be about the personnel."

According to the rumours Michael is on his way to DTM. Anyone here know if there's any truth to these claims? The Michael of old said he'd never do it but perhaps he now sees it as a way to keep the racing urges in check and perhaps even as a welcome new challenge.

Lauda + MSC was impossible. They do not like each other. If MSC (and that is a huge if) should drive DTM, I hope he signs for Audi or BMW. Audi could also over a Le Mans drive, so that would be interesting.

We don't know what happen with Sauber, there is conflicting reports. If he really contacted them ,something happen I guess and they didn't reach agreement. I don't know why, Telmex is staying so they have money.
With this Lauda comments he want to cut MS connection with Mercedes, it is clear.

Well the d-bag has to justify his new position and the end of the relationship.

But besides that i won't understand why he has to talk about the subject every single day. His rent-a-quote position at RTL wasn't enough? Now he has to do it for Merc too?

He said he heard that Michael talked to Sauber/Ferrari (i.e. he was gossiping). Now he says he took fewer risk because of age. Actually Michael took more risks just to be able to get that slow, unreliable POS to a better position and get some results. And he paid for it (Senna and Perez last year would were good examples).

He said he is still capable to race with the best drivers (ie F1), he had options with other teams... why would he snub say Sauber for DTM? Doesn't make sense. He's never liked closed wheel cars either. He doesn't need the money, he doesn't need the exposure.

Lauda + MSC was impossible. They do not like each other. If MSC (and that is a huge if) should drive DTM, I hope he signs for Audi or BMW. Audi could also over a Le Mans drive, so that would be interesting.

Schumacher and Lauda have no emnity between each other. They worked together at Ferrari during the mid 1990's when Ladua was some sort of consultant there (and then Jaguar and now Mercedes....see a pattern? ), they helped develop the Ferrari 550 Maranello together and have done numerous interviews together.

It could be that Schumacher recognised Lauda would have been difficult to work with based on previous encounters or realised that his 3 years together with Mercedes didn't yield anything special and there was nothing in place to suggest it would have done for 2013 either. And frankly, at age 43/44 how much energy can one have; he has to probably train harder, sleep earlier than before, have more stress than before etc etc etc.

I think he wanted to continue, but his enthusiasm, commitment and health began to overlap and he made a wise decision.

I personally think Lauda will be toxic for Mercedes and he'll be a morale sucker more than anything. Just the culture clash alone in my opinion will lead to some big fall outs - AIMHO.

Hamilton is not expecting much of Mercedes in 2013, so it's likely Schumacher knew what expectations were to be had for that year and why a two-year contract would've been a must to match his ambitions.

Other than that, I've never felt Lauda had a problem with Schumacher from watching him on RTL, but these comments are bizarre.